Guinness World Record: Hannatu Musawa, UN praise 15-year-old for breaking record
Hannatu Musawa and Kanyeyachukwu
Guinness World Record: Hannatu Musawa, UN praise 15-year-old for breaking record
A Nigerian 15-year-old painter with autism, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke, has broken the Guinness World Record for largest art canvas by an individual.
The artwork, spanning 12,303 square meters and titled “Impossible is a Myth,” took him 12 weeks to complete.
While addressing people at the presentation of certificate by the Guinness World Record Organisation yesterday in Abuja, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the art piece as an extraordinary masterpiece, one that not only breaks records but also breaks barriers.
He said that disability inclusion is central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the 2030 agenda for sustainable development calls for leaving no one behind, and this includes ensuring that persons with disabilities, like Kanye, have equal access to opportunities, education, and employment.
Falls, who was represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, observed that true progress can only be achieved when societies embrace diversity and create environments where every child, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully and reach their full potential.
He said, “Kanye, as he’s fondly called, has conveyed a powerful message through his art, emphasising inclusion, resilience, and every child’s right to recognition, value and support.
“The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring that every child, especially those on the autism spectrum, have equal opportunities and access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive through inclusion and basic services. As we admire this breathtaking work of art, let it also remind us of our shared responsibility to create a world where neurodivergent individuals are empowered, respected and provided the space to express their full potential, like our Kanye here.”
In her welcome address, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said that Kanye has shown the world what is possible when passion meets hard work.
She stated that by breaking the world record, he has not only set a new record but has also demonstrated that age is no barrier to greatness.
She expressed the commitment of the ministry to nurturing and supporting the talents of youths such as Kanyeyachukwu.
In his remarks, Head, Retail, North MTN Nigeria, Chikaodi Ofoegbu, said that the event is a celebration of what is possible when human ingenuity meets unwavering determination.
He said, “Kanye has immersed his unique ability to create this large symbolic canvas. We at MTN believe in the power of data offering in unlocking endless possibilities for every Nigerian. Our commitment is to empower individuals like Kanye to take action to push boundaries and dare to dream. We are dedicated to creating an environment where innovation thrives and where every individual, regardless of their circumstances has the tool to make a lasting impact.
Ofoegbu noted that Kanyeyachukwu’s art piece is in line with the MTN Go MAD (Make A Difference) campaign aimed at inspiring people to make an impact.
In an interview with journalists, father of the Guinness World Records holder, Tagbo Okeke, said the art piece represents the expansion of human capacity to do what many regards as impossible.
Okeke noted that the theme of the art, “Impossible is a Myth,” was given by the family because when he started the project, many people said that It is going to be impossible to do.
He said, ” But today Kanye has proven that it is possible. The art piece took him three months to do and we feel highly blessed. Many children are living with autism around the world, they are specially gifted and what they need is tolerance and inclusion.”
The event was supported by Zeebah Foundation which supports people with autism, and the MTN Nigeria, to mark the World Autism Awareness Day.
